KMC says repair work is underway, but police step in with makeshift fixes
KARACHI: Days of heavy rains have left Karachi’s main thoroughfares battered, turning daily commutes into a nightmare for residents. Cracked asphalt, gaping potholes, and overflowing sewage have not only slowed traffic but also added unexpected financial and health burdens on citizens.
A spokesperson for the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) admitted the deteriorating condition of roads but insisted that repairs had already begun on the orders of Mayor Murtaza Wahab.
Urban planner Muhammad Tauheed painted a grimmer picture, pointing out that Karachi has nearly 2,000 arterial roads, “almost half of which are in ruins.” He blamed the city’s faulty sewerage system as the root cause of the destruction.
For many residents, the damage is taking a personal toll. Social activist Naiem Khan, who commutes by motorcycle, said suspensions and tyres are wearing out at an alarming pace. “Car owners may avoid the dust, but their repair bills are skyrocketing too,” he noted. Ali Sohail, a resident of Martin Road, said his monthly motorcycle expenses have climbed by Rs2,000 due to frequent oil changes and maintenance. “A trip that should take 15 minutes now takes nearly an hour,” added Muhammad Kamran from Saddar.
The impact extends beyond wallets. Doctors report a surge in health complaints linked to the state of the roads. “We’re seeing more cases of chest infections, respiratory issues, and spinal pain,” said Dr. Farooq Khan, a private practitioner. Ambulance services also confirm delays in patient transfers due to gridlocked routes and damaged roads.
Activists and citizens are voicing frustration. “Ask any motorcyclist how they look after riding through muddy, broken streets all day,” said Laila Raza of the Karachi Bachao Committee. Jamaat-e-Islami UC Nazim Kaleem-ul-Haq Usmani accused city rulers of “turning a blind eye” while infrastructure crumbles. Among those most affected are vulnerable groups. “Daily travel on Shahrah-e-Faisal has become unbearable,” said Sadia Shahid, a woman with special needs. “The mayor must intervene directly.”
Auto mechanics confirm business is booming for the wrong reasons. “Poor roads are destroying vehicles’ fitness,” said Faraz Ahmed, a mechanic in Saddar.
The KMC maintains it is working on 106 roads under its control but conceded that several other agencies are responsible for the remaining network. In the meantime, traffic police have taken to filling potholes with soil and debris to keep traffic moving a stopgap measure that underscores the absence of a lasting solution.
